Starting immediately at the bottom of the mighty Hoover Dam, the Black Canyon is carved by the winding Colorado River and possesses a beautiful, rugged desert landscape accessible almost exclusively by water. Bridging across both the Nevada and Arizona state lines, the gorge is home to bighorn sheep, osprey, herons, and much more.
Upon entry into the canyon, you will see the expanse of the Hoover Dam looming before you, Lake Mead dammed on the opposite side. As you instead face south down the mouth of the Black Canyon, the solitude of the wilderness is just a short kayak or raft away.
The waters in this section of the Colorado are moving flat-water, suitable for beginners and experts alike.
Within the canyon, there is much to do!
Explore hidden destinations such as Gold Strike Canyon, Lone Palm Canyon, and the sparkling green waters of Emerald Cave. Bring a swimsuit and soak in the natural springs of Arizona Hot Springs. Disembark and enjoy lunch with an incredible view that very few people get to experience. From the crystal clear water to the blue skies above, keep your eye out for wildlife sightings as the current takes you through this otherworldly landscape!
Designated as part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, this section of the Black Canyon meanders for about 12 miles through sandy beaches, hidden coves, and volcanic black rock for which the canyon is named. The canyon itself was formed approximately 15 million year ago by erosion from the Colorado River. Its modern history, however, is deeply rooted in the construction of the Hoover Dam, its gauging stations, tramways, and catwalks. Even with such an industrial past, though, the wildness of the Black Canyon still remains.
Regardless of the season, kayaking in Las Vegas is a wonderful way to enjoy the unique landscape of the desert! Just a short drive away from the city, Black Canyon is easily accessible year-round. Winter-time is a favorite among locals and our guides! With fewer crowds, Nevada winters are still mild enough to enjoy the outdoors and makes the hot springs that are accessible in this area, often nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit, all the more pleasant.
We offer two Colorado River tours that explore the grandeur of this area.
First, our Black Canyon Kayaking tour, is a full day experience with approximately 5-6 hours on the crystal clear water. After pick-up in Las Vegas or meeting near the drop-in site, your guide will lead you through the best that the gorge has to offer, making stops to visit some of the remote caves, coves, and hot springs along the way. There is so much to learn and see, and this kayak tour allows enough time to do it all! Beginners are welcome on this tour, as a short safety demonstration will be provided prior to drop-in. Glide along the river in the serenity of a paddlecraft.
Our second tour is our Black Canyon Rafting tour, which is also a full day experience with approximately 3 hours on the water. For those wanting to kick back and relax, this rafting tour is run on a motorized raft, leaving your hands free to snap some photos! Your expert guide will ferry you through the gorge while educating you on the history, archeology, and ecology of the land. Transportation to and from Las Vegas in an air-conditioned vehicle is provided.
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